Mechanical properties of concrete with Sarcheshmeh mineral complex copper slag as a part of cementitious materials

•Possibility of using copper slag instead of part of cement in concrete is investigated.•Compressive strength of cubic samples in different ages were measured and compared.•By increasing the slag up to 30% of cement, acceptable results were obtained.•Using industrial wastes such as copper slag has environmental & economic benefits.

Concrete is widely used in construction industry with an ever increasing rate due to its particular characteristics. Replacement of cement as the most expensive part of concrete with industrial materials such as slag, can reduce the cost and help with a greener construction industry. For sustainable development, as well as enhanced performance and economy, alternative approaches, namely proper material for replacement of cement should be explored. Recently, replacing ordinary cement with mixed cement due to the economic and environmental benefits, has increased. This paper reports the results of an experimental study on the physical and chemical properties of the mineral complex copper slag as a by-product of Sarcheshmeh copper plant, and its effect on the mechanical properties of concrete, for which it constitutes a part of cementitious material. The effects of primary and secondary setting time, and percentage of slag as cementitious material, on the compressive strength of 10 × 10 × 10 cm concrete cubic samples, were measured and compared. The mix was optimized for the best use of tailing material share of total cementitious materials, considering the mechanical properties based on the criteria of compressive strength of 7, 14, 28 and 42 days and the optimum percentage of replacement for this cement-like material was specified.